Rookie Matt Salem signs with Blackwater after declining Ginebra offer

AFTER failing to hook up with Barangay Ginebra, rookie free agent Matt Salem found a new home in Blackwater for the coming PBA season.

The 6-foot-3 forward ended up as a last-minute signing of the Elite after agreeing to a one-year deal two days before the season-opening Philippine Cup kicks off at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Salem was a third-round pick of the Kings in the last rookie draft but failed to land a deal with the franchise, which opted instead to sign another rookie free agent in Teytey Teodoro to a one-conference contract.

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According to sources, the former National University mainstay was offered a one-year contract to be a practice player by Ginebra but declined the tender offer.

Instead, Salem sought - and got - permission from Ginebra to try his luck with other teams and ended up landing a spot at Blackwater.